Aristolochia manshuriensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Aristolochia manshuriensis?
Aristolochia manshuriensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it falls into the subclass Magnoliidae and is further categorized under the order Piperales. This plant is a member of the family Aristolochiaceae, specifically situated within the genus Aristolochia, with its unique designation as the species manshuriensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | manshuriensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aristolochia manshuriensis has perennial climbing stems that produce heart-shaped leaves with entire margins and tubular, brownish-purple flowers that are characteristic of the Aristolochiaceae family. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the twining vines and feature prominent venation. Its unique inflorescences consist of single, somewhat fleshy flowers that possess a distinctively shaped perianth designed for specific insect pollination. The plant's growth habit allows it to scramble through forest undergrowth using its slender stems for support. These morphological features collectively help the species thrive in its native East Asian woodland habitats.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically occurring within the temperate regions of northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and parts of the Russian Far East. It primarily inhabits moist, shaded environments such as deciduous forests and woodland margins. The species thrives in hilly or mountainous terrains where the soil remains consistently damp. Its distribution is closely tied to the seasonal climate patterns of the Manchurian region. These specific ecological niches allow it to maintain stable populations across its limited range.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires cultivation in well-drained, humus-rich soil within a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasonal shifts.
Growers should plant the rhizomes in partial shade to mimic their natural forest floor habitat. Consistent moisture is essential during the growing season, though the soil must not remain waterlogged to prevent root rot. Once established, the plant benefits from a period of winter dormancy to support healthy spring regrowth.
Careful monitoring of soil acidity helps ensure the long-term vitality of the climbing vines.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Aristolochia manshuriensis provides medicinal value primarily through its harvested root. While the root contains the most concentrated active compounds, other anatomical structures such as the stem are also studied for their biological properties. Within the plant's internal structure, the cortex serves as a critical layer for nutrient storage and protection. The vascular system, consisting of the phloem and xylem, facilitates the transport of essential substances throughout the organism. These combined tissues work together to distribute the chemical constituents used in traditional preparations.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", the roots of Aristolochia manshuriensis are used as a nephrotoxic adulterant in commercial samples of the traditional Chinese herbal drug labelled as Chaihu. The germacranolide aristolactone, which has been previously reported only from the genus Aristolochia, was identified as one of the main active compounds with an EC50 of 56.02 µM ± 5.09 µM. In a two-microelectrode voltage clamp assay, a petroleum ether extract tested at 100 µg/mL enhanced the I(GABA) by 156% ± 22%. A validated HPTLC protocol was used to confirm that the commercial sample was a mixture of Aristolochia manshuriensis root and Bupleurum chinense root.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- root
- stem
- cortex
- phloem
- xylam
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Aristolochia manshuriensis has been used historically in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, and certain types of tumors. Practitioners traditionally utilized the root of the plant to address issues such as swellings, abscesses, and painful skin eruptions. It was often prepared in specific herbal decoctions meant to clear heat and resolve toxicity within the body. Historically, the plant's pharmacological properties were valued for their ability to reduce congestion and alleviate localized pain. Despite its long history of use, modern scientific research has raised significant concerns regarding its potential toxicity.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", PCR was conducted at an annealing temperature of 58 degrees C for 35 cycles. The analysis involved a DNA template concentration range of 5-125 mg - L-' and 0.4 μmol x L(-1) primer with 2.0 mmol x L(-1) Mg2+. For Caulis Aristolochiae manshuriensis, the Tm values were determined to be (81.67 ± 0.14) degrees C and (84.24 ± 0.10) degrees C. This method provides a simple, fast, and high-throughput way to achieve the authentification of herbs.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Aristolochia manshuriensis?
This plant has anti-obesity, carcinogenic, oncogenic, and nephrotoxic pharmacological activities. While some studies explore its potential in managing weight, its chemical components pose significant health risks. The presence of aristolochic acids makes the species highly oncogenic and carcinogenic to various tissues. Furthermore, the plant exhibits severe nephrotoxicity, leading to progressive kidney damage. This inherent nephrotoxicity remains a primary concern for clinical safety regarding its use.
According to a study published by "PloS one", Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom (AMK) is used for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, hepatitis, and anti-obesity. In 3T3-L1 cells, AMK inhibits adipocyte differentiation and significantly decreases lipid accumulation by downregulating transcription factors such as PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and C/EBP-β. The plant markedly activates the ERK1/2 pathway, including Ras, Raf1, and MEK1, while significantly suppressing the Akt pathway by inhibition of PDK1. Treatment with AMK during adipogenesis significantly inhibits the gene expressions of FAS, adiponectin, LPL, and aP2. In a high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model, oral administration of AMK at 62.5 mg/kg/day significantly decreased fat tissue weight, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration in the blood.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-obesity
- carcinogenic
- nephrotoxic
- nephrotoxicity
- oncogenic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several potent medicinal compounds including aristolochic acid, aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, aristolochic acid A, and aristolactione. These nitrogenous compounds are primary chemical constituents found within the roots and stems of the species. Aristolochic acids are known for their distinct chemical structures and significant biological activities. Aristolactione represents another specific secondary metabolite identified in the plant's chemical profile. Studying these diverse substances is essential for understanding the plant's complex pharmacological properties.
According to a study published by "Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry", the plant Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis (CAM) contains aristolochic acid (AA) as a natural component. This AA is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, and it is involved in a specific type of renal fibrosis called Chinese herbs nephropathy (CHN). The concentration of AA in the CAM sample was measured at 3.50 +/- 0.12x10(-4) M. A novel electrochemical method can detect AA with a detection limit estimated to be 1.0x10(-8) M. This method features a linear range from 5.0x10(-8) M to 1.3x10(-6) M.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aristolochic acid
- Aristolochic acid I
- Aristolochic acid II
- Aristolochic acid A
- Aristolactone
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating acute renal failure, acute renal injury, acute tubular necrosis, nephrotoxicity, and renal tumors. Traditional applications of Aristolochia manshuriensis often target various complications related to kidney function and cellular damage. Researchers have studied its chemical properties in the context of managing severe renal conditions and tumor growth. However, the use of this species is highly controversial due to the potential for causing significant kidney damage. Careful investigation is required to understand how it impacts specific pathways involving acute tubular necrosis and nephrotoxicity.
According to a study published by "Acta pharmacologica Sinica", administration of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1 and 30 g.kg-1.d-1 for 7 consecutive days, or 20 g.kg-1.d-1 for 15 consecutive days, induces acute renal injury. At month 0, these health conditions included azotemia, low molecular weight proteinuria, glycosuria, hypoosmotic urine, NAG enzymuria, and acute tubular necrosis. At month 6, the plant was found to be oncogenic, with renal prenepalstic lesions occurring at 100.0% across all three dosage levels. Renal tumors occurred at rates of 42.8%, 25.0%, and 0% for the 50, 30, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 doses, respectively. Additionally, extrarenal tumors were observed at 14.4%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, while systemic tumors occurred at 57.2%, 37.5%, and 12.5% at those same dosages.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- acute renal failure
- acute renal injury
- acute tubular necrosis
- nephrotoxicity
- renal tumors
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations such as Aristolochiae manshuriensis decoction, 70% ethanol extract, and water extraction. These different methods of preparation are designed to isolate specific bioactive compounds found within the plant tissues. The decoction involves boiling the plant material in water to create a concentrated liquid for therapeutic use. Meanwhile, the 70% ethanol extract utilizes alcohol to pull out various alkaloids and chemical constituents. Water extraction provides another way to derive soluble substances through simple infusion or boiling processes.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the oral administration of 10 g x kg(-1) of Aristolochiae manshuriensis decoction was studied in 69 normal wistar male rats. After administration, the AA-I concentration in the blood reached its peak at 30 minutes and lasted until 90 minutes. By the 10th day, 68.5% of AA-I presented as the binding type with serum albumin. Pharmacodynamic parameters included a Tmax of 0.74 h, a Cmax of 0.92 microg x mL(-1), a t1/2alpha of 0.68 h, a t1/2beta of 20.46 h, a V/F of 87.39 mL, and a CL(s) of 5.85 mL x h(-1) or 0.10 mL x min(-1). The distribution ratio of AA-I showed the highest level in the kidney and liver by the 4th day, with the kidney becoming the most dominant after the 30th and 40th day (P < 0.05).
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aristolochiae manshuriensis decoction
- 70% ethanol extract
- water extraction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including Chinese herbs nephropathy, acute renal failure, and various forms of cancer. The consumption of Aristolochaic acid found within the plant leads to progressive kidney damage and sudden loss of renal function. Beyond the kidneys, the substance exhibits significant carcinogenicity that triggers the development of extrarenal tumors. Specifically, patients exposed to this plant face a heightened risk of developing life-threatening liver cancer. These toxic effects make the plant extremely dangerous for human consumption.
According to a study published by "Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry", aristolochic acid is a natural component in Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis that is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. This component is involved in a specific type of renal fibrosis known as Chinese herbs nephropathy. The concentration of aristolochic acid in the Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis sample was measured at 3.50 +/- 0.12x10(-4) M. A novel electrochemical method can detect these acids with a detection limit estimated to be 1.0x10(-8) M. This method provides a linear range from 5.0x10(-8) M to 1.3x10(-6) M for detecting the species in real samples.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Chinese herbs nephropathy
- acute renal failure
- carcinogenicity
- extrarenal tumors
- liver cancer
What herbs are paired with Aristolochia manshuriensis?
This plant Aristolochia manshuriensis is traditionally paired with herbs such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Panax ginseng, and various types of ginger to balance its medicinal properties.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine formulations to enhance the warming effects of the root. Practitioners often combine it with other aromatic herbs to direct the medicinal action toward specific areas of the body. The inclusion of licorice root specifically helps to harmonize the various ingredients within a complex decoction.
Such pairings are carefully adjusted based on the specific symptoms a patient is experiencing.